Pillowell Community Primary School
Lydney, GL15 4QT · Gloucestershire · primary school
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211st of 218 primary schools in Gloucestershire we can score, 241 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,023 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.5/10 among them, against 1.1/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 44.0 · 12 | 40% | 0.47 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pillowell Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school 'Requires improvement' in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.5 out of 10 among them, against 1.1 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 73 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school plan to raise attainment from the current 44.0% to the national median of 64%? What specific actions are being taken to address the 'Requires improvement' rating from the 2023 inspection? How does the school support pupils in reaching the higher standard, given the current 0.0% figure?
What Ofsted said about Pillowell Community Primary School
Overview
The report describes a small primary school with a “strong sense of community” where pupils are proud and staff know families well. However, recent curriculum changes are “not securely in place,” meaning pupils “do not learn well” and their knowledge is not secure. While behaviour and personal development are rated as good, the overall quality of education and leadership require improvement.
Strengths
- Pupils behave sensibly, understanding rules, and most classrooms are “calm and purposeful.”
- Children in Reception settle well, building strong relationships and developing language through activities like role-play.
- The school supports personal development effectively, with pupils learning to be “responsible and respectful citizens” through initiatives like fundraising.
- Staff workload and well-being are “well supported by leaders,” and most parents value the staff’s approachability.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and pupils feel safe, knowing they can talk to adults if they have worries.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure consistency in curriculum implementation so that staff deliver the intended curriculum and pupils have “secure recall and understanding” of what they have learned.
- Phonics training needs prioritisation to ensure pupils read books matched to the sounds they know, allowing them to read “accurately and fluently.”
- Assessment systems must be embedded so teachers can check what pupils know and use this to address gaps in learning effectively.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 44% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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